ALOA Sponsored Trip - 11-Day “3 Continents” Tour of Greece, Egypt, Israel, and Turkey (including 7-night cruise)
2021-11-18 - 2021-11-28
Click here to view the brochure!
VIDEO OF TOURING GREECE: https://youtu.be/ul-o6E47MMw
VIDEO OF TOURING ISRAEL: https://youtu.be/TQgvSMYNFnA
VIDEO OF TOURING JERUSALEM: https://youtu.be/ao04682PQv

Tour Title: 11-Day “3 Continents” Tour of Greece, Egypt, Israel, and Turkey (including 7-night cruise)
Departure Date: Thursday, November 18th, 2021
Departure City: Tampa, FL (TPA)
Base Cost: $3990
Taxes: $378
Land Tips: $70
Cruise Tips: $70
Port charges: $289
Per Person: $4872 TOTAL

7-Night Greek Isles cruise based on cabin category XB outside cabin
For additional information about the cruise line, please visit: https://www.celestyalcruises.com/en/cruise-ship-celesty

ITINERARY:
Day 1 – Thursday, November 18: Depart for Athens
Embark upon your journey with an overnight flight to Athens. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience and get some rest on the flight. Tomorrow you will be walking where the apostle Paul walked!

Day 2 – Friday, November 19: Arrive in Athens
We arrive in Athens and are met by our representative and tour guide. We enjoy our panoramic bus tour of Athens on the way to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 3 – Saturday, November 20: Athens, Mars Hill, Acropolis, Plaka, Board 7-Night Cruise
After breakfast, we begin our sightseeing as we admire the architectural wonders of ancient Athens. We follow our guide to the world-renowned Acropolis to see the Propylea, the Erechtheum, and the Parthenon. We visit Mars Hill, where Paul delivered his speech on the “Unknown God.” Then, we see the Agora, the ancient center of the economic and public life of the city, where Paul preached to the skeptical Athenians. During the bus tour, we also see Constitution Square with the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus, the Old Olympic Stadium, and the Neoclassical Buildings of Athens. In the afternoon, we will have some free time to explore the famous Plaka, known for its many welcoming sidewalk cafes and unique shops. We will make our way to the port of Piraeus and our 7-night floating hotel, as we begin our 3-Continent cruise to visit Egypt, Israel & Turkey.

Day 4 – Sunday, November 21: Day at Sea
Today, we enjoy free time onboard our cruise. We will have an opportunity to rest, explore the ship, have time for fellowship and will gather as a group to discuss the upcoming excursions for the week.

Day 5 – Monday, November 22: Egypt – Cairo
We have a morning arrival into Egypt. We disembark and start our included shore excursion to Cairo. We depart from Alexandria in our luxury motor coach and drive to Africa’s largest city, the teeming metropolis of Cairo. Our first stop is at Giza Plateau where the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World still stands, the Pyramids of Giza. We will park at the base of Chephren’s pyramid and time will be allocated to explore the site on our own. We continue down the valley where the guardian of this mortuary complex, the mighty Sphinx, lies. We take time out to relax and enjoy a delicious lunch buffet at a leading 5-star deluxe hotel (included). After lunch we drive to Tahrir (Liberty) Square, the heart of downtown Cairo. We visit the National Archaeological Museum and acquaint ourselves with Egypt’s ancient history, spanning a period of over 50 centuries. The Museum is the repository of the world’s largest and richest collection of Egyptian Antiquities, amongst them the priceless collection of King Tutankhamen. We then have an opportunity to visit a Papyrus Institute, where the art of paper making from reeds discovered by the Ancient Egyptians is demonstrated. Limited time for souvenir shopping will also be allocated before we drive back to Port Said, where we board our ship.

Day 6 – Tuesday, November 23: Israel – Jerusalem: Mt. of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Old City, Via Dolorosa, Western Wall, Bethlehem
This morning, we arrive in Israel (Ashdod port). We disembark and start our included shore excursion to Jerusalem. We visit the beautiful Mount of Olives and view this incredible panorama of Jerusalem and the walls of the Old City. From here we walk down the Old Palm Sunday Road to the Garden of Gethsemane with its ancient olive grove, and see the Church of Agony, where tradition holds that Jesus prayed. We then visit the Church of Gethsemane (Church of All Nations) where Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, captured by the Romans, and later sentenced by Pontius Pilate. We continue to the Old City of Jerusalem, visiting the colorful market where three religions coincide. We walk along the Via Dolorosa including St. Anne’s Crusader Church, Pools of Bethesda, the Pavement (where Jesus stood while being tried by Pilate), Ecce Homo Arch, and a short visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the ancient Cardo. We then proceed to the holiest site in the Jewish world, the Western Wall of Herod’s temple. Beyond the wall lies the 35-acre temple area purchased by King David (2 Samuel 24: 18-25). On this site now stand El- Aksa Mosque and the magnificent Dome of the Rock (the third holiest shrine in Islam). We stop for a late lunch break in Bethlehem (included). We will visit the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus was born. Our last stop will be at the Garden Tomb, for a time of worship and communion. Afterwards, we return to Ashdod to board our cruise ship. Late evening departure for Limassol.

Day 7 – Wednesday, November 24: Cyprus
Morning arrival in Limassol (Cyprus). Archaeological remains on the island include the well-preserved Neolithic village of Khirokitia, and Cyprus is home to some of the oldest water wells in the world. Cyprus was settled by Mycenaean Greeks in the 2nd millennium BC. As a strategic location in the Middle East, it was subsequently occupied by several major powers, including the empires of the Assyrians, Egyptians, and Persians, and Alexander the Great. There are no shore excursions included today, as we will visit the island at our leisure. We return to our ship and sail for Rhodes in the early evening.

Day 8 – Thursday, November 25: Rhodes & Lindos
Late morning arrival in Rhodes (Greece). We disembark and start our included shore excursion to Lindos. Lindos is situated 40 miles from the city of Rhodes and bears above it the Acropolis of Lindos, with the ancient Temple of Athena built in 300 B.C. We will come across the captain’s mansions, built between the 16th and 18th century. In the center of the village is the Church of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) of Lindos, with frescoes from the 15th century. We ascend to the Acropolis of Lindos. Here lies the Temple of Athena of Doric order, which was erected on the location of an older monument. The ancient city-state of Lindos was the most important on the island for many centuries. It reached its heyday in the 6th century B.C. At the old city of Rhodes, we go through the D’Amboise Gate to walk on the Street of the Knights. Along this street we find the residences of the Knights, separated according to Order, which still today bear their corresponding crests. We will enjoy some free time on the island before our evening departure.

Day 9 – Friday, November 26: Turkey – Ephesus
Morning arrival in Kusadasi (Turkey). We disembark and enjoy our included shore excursion to Ancient Ephesus. At Ancient Ephesus we find immortal relics of the Hellenistic, Roman and Early Christian era. At the archaeological site we have a guided tour among the Agora, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the marble-paved main Street of Kouretes, the Baths of Scholastica, Trajan’s Fountain, the Public Latrines, the Residences of the Patricians, the Prytaneum, and the Temple of Hadrian. The Great Theatre, built in the 4th century B.C., could accommodate 24,000 spectators and is famous even today for its acoustics. The finds from these excavations, which have only brought to light 13% of ancient Ephesus, reside in the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus in the city of Selcuk. During the excursion, we have a chance to do some shopping and see the carpet weaving demonstration. We enjoy free time in the afternoon and depart in the evening to sail back to Piraeus, Greece.

Day 10 – Saturday, November 27: Disembark Cruise, Greece – Corinth, Athens
This morning, we disembark from the cruise ship in Piraeus. We continue our sightseeing with a visit to Ancient Corinth. This is the once-glorious city near the Isthmus, where Paul met Aquilla and Priscilla and spent a year and a half preaching the Word of God. We visit the Archaeological Museum, the Forum, the Temples, and the famous Bema, where Paul stood before Gallio, accused by the Jews of Corinth. Then we drive to Cenchreae, the little harbor from which Paul sailed back to Asia, thus ending his second missionary journey. We then make our way to our hotel in Athens, where we enjoy our Farewell Dinner and overnight.

Day 11 – Sunday, November 28: Athens Airport Return Flight Back Home
This morning, we transfer to Athens Airport for our return flight back to the U.S.A. We arrive home the same day.

Come to the Well Retreat
2022-05-09 14:30 - 2022-05-11 14:00 (America/New_York)
A Wellness Retreat for Rostered Leaders During a Pandemic Facilitated by the Rev. Sharon Taylor
And all who thirst will thirst no more
And all who search will find what their souls long for
The world will try, but it can never fill
Leave it all behind, and come to the well. Casting Crowns
Let’s be Honest. Being a rostered leader is challenging in good times. During a pandemic, pastoring can be unbearable at times!
Through a generous grant from Lutheran Disaster Relief-USA, the Florida-Bahamas Synod is sponsoring this two-night retreat as a crisis response and an opportunity to decompress and reconnect to our spiritual selves.
“Come to the Well” retreat will provide opportunities for rest, renewal, and play. Using spiritual practices, we will reconnect with God, with ourselves, and with one another.
Overnight accommodations at the Residence Inn Fort Myers Sanibel. Please click here for information and registration.

Transition Ministry Training Online Webinar
2022-07-18 09:00 - 2022-07-22 12:00
Online Transition Training
July 18-22, 2022
Monday – Friday, 9am-12noon
Each session will be recorded and made available for review. Presentation PowerPoints will be shared in advance for note taking during the presentation
Click here to register and to view the schedule.

Boundless Wide & Deep (July 24-29, 2022)
2022-07-24 - 2022-07-29
In lieu of the ELCA Youth Gathering, Luther Springs has planned a week where youth will share God’s immeasurable love by serving others, enjoying new friends and old, and having limitless fun!
The curriculum is based on the ELCA Youth Gathering curriculum. Ephesians 3:18-19 (CEV): I pray that you and all of God’s people will understand what is called wide or long or high or deep. I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is.
Click here to see what our week will look like and for registration information.

2022 Conference on Ministry
2022-10-17 - 2022-10-19 | Warren Willis Conference Center, 4991 Picciola Rd, Fruitland Park, FL, 34731, United States
This year’s Conference on Ministry is set for October 17-19, 2022 at Warren Willis Conference Center (formerly the Life Enrichment Center) in Fruitland Park, Florida.
The Conference on Ministry is specifically for the edification and renewal of the rostered ministers of the Florida-Bahamas Synod. When our leaders are inspired, encouraged, and renewed, they are ready to lead God’s people with energy and passion.
This year’s theme is “Thy Kingdom Come” featuring Dr. Reggie McNeal as our keynote speaker.
Click here for registration & details.
Deadline to register for the Conference on Ministry is September 26.
Note: There will be a late fee of $100 after the deadline.

Interim Pastor/Transition Ministry Training
2023-01-03 08:00 - 17:00
In-Person, January 31- February 2, at Luther Springs! Register now!
In the bestseller, Passages, Gail Sheehy argues that life, from birth to death, is really a series of twists and turns, with each being an opportunity for creative change. There are many factors that come into play when a congregation is in transition. Whether that congregation has just received an interim pastor, a newly-called pastor, or is seeking new direction into God’s future, it is a time of transition from something that was to something that is yet to be. If you are in your first call, On Leave from Call or retired, this may be an opportunity for you.

When: Tuesday, January 31, 3:00 p.m. to Thursday, February 2 noon.
Where: Luther Springs Camp and Conference Center, 264 Vause Lake Road, Hawthorne, FL 32640.
Registration contact: Tina Fritz, Florida-Bahamas Synod, 813-876-7660 ext. 232, tinaf@fbsynod.org

TUESDAY, January 31
1:30 p.m. Check-in opens
3:00 p.m. Welcome, Housekeeping, Introductions, Opening Devotion
3:15 p.m. The Dynamics Transition
5:15 p.m. BREAK
5:30 p.m. DINNER
6:30 p.m. What Motivates Ministry: It’s about Call
7:45 p.m. BREAK
8:00 p.m. Application of Learning
8:45 p.m. Closing Eucharist – Bishop Preaching
9:00 p.m. Fellowship

WEDNESDAY, February 1
8:00 a.m. BREAKFAST
8:45 a.m. Morning Devotion
9:00 a.m. Hearing Call, Discernment
10:15 a.m. BREAK
10:30 a.m. Application of Learning: Group Discussion
11:30 a.m. LUNCH
12:30 p.m. Bishop’s Time
1:30 p.m. Constitutions, Finances and Best Practice
2:30 p.m. Two-day attendees dismissed (Transition Ministry only)
2:30 p.m. FREE TIME – Enjoy Luther Springs!
5:30 p.m. DINNER
6:30 p.m. Transition Manual Mutual Support & Accountability
8:30 p.m. Closing Devotion

THURSDAY, February 2
8:00 a.m. BREAKFAST
8:45 a.m. Opening Reflection
9:00 a.m. Leadership & Five Primary Areas of Focus I
10:15 a.m. BREAK
10:30 a.m. Leadership & Five Primary Areas of Focus II, Final Thoughts on PT Interim Ministry
11:30 a.m. Q&A – What stood out for you?
11:50 p.m. Closing Devotion
12:00 p.m. LUNCH

Interim Pastor/Transition Ministry Training
2023-01-31 15:00 - 2023-02-02 12:00 | Luther Springs Camp and Conference Center, 264 Vause Lake Road, Hawthorne, FL, 32640, United States
Registration contact: Tina Fritz, Florida-Bahamas Synod, 813-876-7660 ext. 232, tinaf@fbsynod.org.

TUESDAY, January 31

1:30 p.m. Check-in opens
3:00 p.m. Welcome, Housekeeping, Introductions, Opening Devotion
3:15 p.m. The Dynamics Transition
5:15 p.m. BREAK
5:30 p.m. DINNER
6:30 p.m. What Motivates Ministry: It’s about Call
7:45 p.m. BREAK
8:00 p.m. Application of Learning
8:45 p.m. Closing Eucharist – Bishop Preaching
9:00 p.m. Fellowship

WEDNESDAY, February 1

8:00 a.m. BREAKFAST
8:45 a.m. Morning Devotion
9:00 a.m. Hearing Call, Discernment
10:15 a.m. BREAK
10:30 a.m. Application of Learning: Group Discussion
11:30 a.m. LUNCH
12:30 p.m. Bishop’s Time
1:30 p.m. Constitutions, Finances and Best Practice
2:30 p.m. Two-day attendees dismissed (Transition Ministry only)
2:30 p.m. FREE TIME – Enjoy Luther Springs!
5:30 p.m. DINNER
6:30 p.m. Transition Manual, Mutual Support & Accountability
8:30 p.m. Closing Devotion

THURSDAY, February 2

8:00 a.m. BREAKFAST
8:45 a.m. Opening Reflection
9:00 a.m. Leadership & Five Primary Areas of Focus I
10:15 a.m. BREAK
10:30 a.m. Leadership & Five Primary Areas of Focus II, Final Thoughts on PT Interim Ministry
11:30 a.m. Q&A – What stood out for you?
11:50 p.m. Closing Devotion
12:00 p.m. LUNCH

Join Synod Holy Land Pilgrimage
2023-04-10 - 2023-04-20
Joint Synod Holy Land Pilgrimage: April 10 – 20, 2023
Join Bishop Pedro Suarez and Pr. Khader El-Yateem along with Bishop Yehiel Curry (Metropolitan Chicago Synod) on a journey to the Holy Land next spring. This joint pilgrimage includes 10 days of sightseeing and unforgettable experiences. Space is limited. Click here for registration and pricing. Download the brochure with travel itinerary and additional trip details here.

Synod Assembly 2025
2025-06-12 13:00 - 2025-06-14 12:00 | Embassy Suites, 4955 Kyngs Heath Rd, Kissimmee, 34746, United States
